WXXI AND THE LITTLE THEATRE PRESENT AN ALFRED HITCHCOCK FILM FESTIVAL IN CELEBRATION OF GEVA’S PRODUCTION OF THE 39 STEPS

Rochester, New York (September 6, 2013) – WXXI, Geva Theatre Center, and the Little Theatre host a mini Alfred Hitchcock Film Festival in anticipation of Geva’s production of The 39 Steps. Beginning Wednesday, September 25 at 6:30 p.m. and continuing weekly through October 16, the Little will screen four of Hitchcock’s best, followed by talkback discussions. All films will screen in Theatre 2. Single tickets are $7. A $25 punch card is also available that provides entrance to all four film screenings, plus an additional film of your choice at the Little Theatre. Tickets may be purchased online at thelittle.org/hitchcock or at the Little box office.

The first film, screening on Wednesday, September 25 at 6:30 p.m., is the classic Vertigo. In the film, a retired San Francisco detective suffering from acrophobia investigates the strange activities of an old friend's much-younger wife, all the while becoming dangerously obsessed with her. The talkback after the film will be hosted by Jack Garner, veteran Gannett film critic and author of the new book, From My Seat on the Aisle: Movies and Memories.

Up next on Wednesday, October 2 at 6:30 p.m. is The 39 Steps, which premieres on stage later in the month at Geva. A man in London tries to help a counterespionage agent in this movie. But when the agent is killed and he stands accused, he must go on the run to both save himself and also stop a spy ring trying to steal top secret information. This talkback will be hosted by Geva’s Director of Artistic Engagement/Artist at Large Sean Daniels and the cast of Geva’s production of The 39 Steps.

The Birds screens on Wednesday, October 9 at 6:30 p.m. This Hitchcock staple follows a wealthy San Francisco socialite as she pursues a potential boyfriend to a small Northern California town that slowly takes a turn for the bizarre when birds of all kinds suddenly begin to attack people in increasing numbers and with increasing viciousness. This talkback is hosted by Dr. David Ferrell, Professor and Chairperson Emeritus from Nazareth College where he was Chair of the Department of Theatre Arts and Director of the Arts Center from 1984 until 2007. Since his retirement he has taught film courses at Oasis, focusing on the films of Alfred Hitchcock.

Last in the series is Rear Window, screening Wednesday, October 16 at 6:30 p.m. In this thriller, a wheelchair bound photographer spies on his neighbors from his apartment window and becomes convinced one of them has committed murder. This talkback is hosted by Erich Van Dussen, movie critic for Messenger Post Newspapers.

In addition to the four films, individuals can enter to win two tickets to Geva’s opening night production of The 39 Steps on Saturday, October 26 at 8 p.m. To enter, visit: WXXI.org/events or at thelittle.org/hitchcock .

Geva’s The 39 Steps, which runs October 22 – November 17, is adapted by Patrick Barlow, from the novel by John Buchan, and directed by Sean Daniels. Hitchcock meets hilarious as Englishman Richard Hannay encounters dastardly murders, double crossing secret agents, and devastatingly beautiful women in this fast-paced whodunit. Part espionage thriller and part slapstick comedy, four actors play over 150 characters in this ingeniously adapted homage to film noir and theatrical stagecraft.

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WXXI is the essential, life-long educational media resource for the Greater Rochester area. WXXI puts the community first with programming that stimulates and expands thought, inspires the spirit, opens cultural horizons and promotes understanding of diverse community issues. The formal affiliation between WXXI and the Little Theatre, established in December 2011, enables the two organizations to work more efficiently by pooling resources and strengths in a number of areas including back-office operation and improved fundraising capabilities. Log on to wxxi.org for more information about our services and programs.